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Harkrishan-Kunal clinch the victory in APRC Asia Cup; claim INRC hattrick of wins
Chennai, 17 March 2024: On a day of drama, Delhi’s Harkrishan Wadia (co-driver Kunal Kashyap, Himachal) of Arka Motorsports emerged champions in the 47th MMSC South India Rally, the first round of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) Asia Cup round and the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) here on Sunday.
Wadia and Kashyap, who won the last two rounds in the 2023 calendar, made it a hattrick of wins in the INRC and also won the prestigious APRC round even as several leading title contenders retired due to various issues with their vehicles.
Wadia not only topped the round of AVT Gold Cup FIA APRC-Asia Cup but also the season-opener of the Blueband Fmsci Indian National Rally Championship 2024 besides taking the P1 spot in the INRC 2 category for a triple crown.
His main rivals in Asia Cup, SIDVIN-MRF Tyres sponsored Bengaluru pair of Pragathi Gowda and co-driver Trisha Alonkar, in a Subaru Impreza 4-wheel drive car whose windshield was shattered when hit by a stone thrown by a miscreant in the penultimate Stage, failed to finish as they ran out of fuel two Kms from the finish of the three-day event’s last stage.
Consequently, second spot went to Hyderabad pair of Naveen Puligilla and co-driver Santosh Thomas with Coimbatore’s Ramcharan C (co-driver Jeevarathinam, Bengaluru) of Arka Motorsports completing the podium. Only three of the nine starters in the Asia Cup completed the event.
Former World Rally champion (Production Cars), Karamjit Singh from Malaysia who is training Pragathi, was a shattered man. “We lost P2 in the Asia Cup. We are still figuring out how they ran out of fuel, but on the positive side, I am happy at the progress Pragathi made in the past one week. She was stepping up the pace Stage by Stage and getting comfortable with the car. She has a lot of talent and potential,” said Karamjit.
In the National Championship, Wadia won the Overall and INRC 2 titles with overnight leader Himachal’s Aditya Thakur and co-driver Virender Kashyap (Chettinad Sporting) were docked a 30-second penalty for late check-in as they stopped to repair a damaged exhaust pipe after completing a Stage, and had to be content finishing second in INRC Overall and INRC 2 categories.
Earlier, overnight leader in the Asia Cup, Aroor Arjun Rao (co-driver Satish Rajagopal) of Mandovi Racing, packed up after the day’s first Stage when he lost power steering. Also retiring was Day-1 leader Dean Mascarenhas (co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah) of DB Motorsport due to a fuel pump issue in the day’s penultimate Stage.
Harkrishan, son of former Rally ace Anil Wadia, could barely stop smiling. “I pushed hard today as I had to make some time. The car was great and I am thankful to MRF Tyres for all the support. I made just one mistake when I overran a corner, but fortunately, it did not impact my position on the leaderboard. Overall, a good start to the season.”
A dejected Thakur rued that he slipped to second after looking primed to win. “We had an exhaust issue. So, after SS-11, we stopped on the transport section to carry out some running repairs. It cost us time and we had to take a 30-second penalty for check-in at the next Time Control. We are extremely disappointed but hope to do better in the next round,” said Thakur.
Kerala’s Vishak Balachandran (co-driver Anil Abbas), supported by MRF Tyres, took the honours in the INRC 3 while Shillong’s Phoebe Nongrum (co-driver Nash Ross, Hyderabad) of SNAP Racing, topped the Women INRC category with two front runners, Anushriya Gulati and Tarushi Vikram retired with mechanical problems. MRF Tyres-backed Arjun Rajiv from Bengaluru (co-driver Vinay Padmashali, Mysuru) of Chettinad Sporting drove well to clinch the title in the Junior INRC category.
Delhi’s Baljinder Singh Dhillon (co-driver CP Gautam, Chikkamagaluru) emerged on top in the Fmsci Challenge Gypsy Cup.
Of the 51 crews who started the Rally, 23 retired. The second round of the INRC is scheduled to be held in Nashik from May 31 to June 2.
Provisional final results:
FIA APRC-Asia Rally Cup:
1. Harkrishan Wadia (Delhi) / Kunal Kashyap (Himachal) (Arka Motorsports) (02Hrs, 04mins, 59.8secs); 2. Naveen Puligilla / Santosh Thomas (both Hyderabad) (Pvt.) (02:15:22.0); 3. Ramcharan C (Coimbatore) / Jeevarathinam (Bengaluru) (Arka Motorsports) (02:17:24.1).
Blueband Indian National Rally Championship:
INRC Overall: 1. Harkrishan Wadia (Delhi) / Kunal Kashyap (Himachal) (Arka Motorsports) (02:04:59.8); 2. Aditya Thakur / Virender Kashyap (both Himachal) (Chettinad Sporting) (02:05:05.0); 3. Vishak Balachandran (Thiruvananthapuram) / Anil Abbas (Ernakulam) (Chettinad Sporting) (02:10:02.6).
INRC 2: 1. Harkrishan Wadia / Kunal Kashyap (02:04:49.8); 2. Aditya Thakur / Virender Kashyap (02:05:05.0); 3. Naveen Puligilla / Santosh Thomas (02:15:22.0).
INRC 3: 1. Vishak Balachandran / Anil Abbas (02:10:02.6); 2. Daraious Shroff (Mumbai) / Srikanth Gowda (Chikkamagaluru) (Chettinad Sporting) (02:10:48.1); 3. Samrat Yadav (Chandigarh) / Arvind Dheerendra (Bengaluru) (Pvt.) (02:11:48.2).
Junior INRC (2 finishers): 1. Arjun Rajiv (Bengaluru) / Vinay Padmashali (Mysuru) (Chettinad Sporting) (02:13:47.9); 2. Ajay Shankar (Kollam)/ S Nitharshan (Kallakurichi) (Mandovi Racing) (02:14:00.0).
Women INRC (2 finishers): 1. Phoebe Nongrum (Shillong) / Nash Ross (Hyderabad) (Snap Racing) (02:28:27.4); 2. Harshitha Gowda (Bengaluru)/ Vignesh Mahalingam (Coimbatore) (Pvt.) (02:45:42.8).
Fmsci Gypsy Challenge: 1. Baljinder Singh Dhillon (Delhi) / Goutham CP (Chikkamagaluru) (Pvt.) (02:21:51.9); 2. Dr Akarsh Sundar (Chikkamagaluru)/ Ravi Kumar (Bengaluru) (Pvt.) (02:24:45.7); 3. Jayanth Somanathan / R Rajashekar (Both Bengaluru) (Pvt.) (02:24:51.9).
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Kelam coconut stage makes it tough for the drivers: A photo gallery
As the Indian National Rally Championship enters its 37th year, the South India Rally provides the season opening thrills by adding another car-breaking stage Kelam, that provided colour to the images with coconut trees everywhere. The bright and beautuful gypsies had their day while many took it easy in the new stage that promises to be better next year.
Here are some images from our celebrated motorsports photographers:
Srinivasa Krishnan Insta: @srinivasakrishnan
Adithya Thakur Anushriya Gulati. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan Young turk Arjun Rajiv. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan Defending champion Aroor Arjun Rao, who crashed out on Sunday. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan Veteran evergreen driver Sanjay Agarwal thrills the sparce crowd with a brilliant jump. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan Photos by Samuel Rajkumar, www.AceImages.in
Pre-event favourite Karna Kadur and Musa Sherif packed off on Day 2 due to gear box issues. Photo by Samuel Rajkumar Maninder Singh Prince, had his moments before lady luck deserted him. Photo by Samuel Rajkumar Dean Mascarenhas, who led the field after Day 1 displaying some stunning speed was hit with mechanical issues on Day 2. Photo by Samuel Rajkumar The Monster! The car built by APRC legend Possum Bourne and driven by World champion in Production cars Karamjit Singh of Malaysia, who is currently mentoring Pragathi Gowda and Trisha Alonkar in their Subaru Impreza #23 at MIC on Friday. Photo by Samuel Rajkumar Photos by Karan Ravi, the young motorsports photographer:
Arnav Pratap Singh and Rohit flying in the track stage on Saturday. Photo by Karan Ravi Arjun Rajiv, the youngest driver in the INRC kicks up dust at the MIC track stage. Photo by Karan Ravi Asia Pacific Rally Championship Asia Cup leg comes to India again. Photo by Karan Ravi Blueband Sports, the Promoters’ branding at the Track stage Starting point for the Track stage. Photo by Karan Ravi Aroor Vikram Rao. Photo by Karan Ravi Harkrishan Wadia, who won back to back rallies towards the end of 2023 is going great guns. Photo by Karan Ravi Clean and calm driving from the Polo Cup racing champ from Hyderabad. He could not resist jumping into the rally car after he drove the Zero car faster than the rest, at the sanghi stages last year… He is now gunning for a podium in his class INRC3. Photo by Karan Ravi Refuelling station all set for action on Day 2. Photo by Karan Ravi Baljinder Singh Dhillon and Goutham CP, the Delhi-Chikkamagaluru combo in a gypsy running for a podium finish. Photo by Karan Ravi With JK Tyre pulling out of full-time sponsorship of Rally cars, Maninder Singh Prince remains the lone warrior flying the yellow colours. Photo by Karan Ravi -
Aditya Thakur takes control of Day 2 INRC proceedings
Chennai, 16 March 2024: The Himachal pair of Aditya Thakur and co-driver Virender Kashyap gave themselves the best possible start for the 2024 season with a near-flawless drive to lead the timesheets in the 47th MMSC South India Rally, a round of the AVT Gold Cup FIA APRC-Asia Cup and the Blueband Fmsci Indian National Rally Championship near here on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in the Asia Cup, Mangaluru’s Aroor Arjun Rao along with Bengaluru-based co-driver Satish Rajagopal shrugged off a launch control issue with their Mandovi Racing’s Maruti Baleno to snatch a four-second lead over Delhi’s Harkrishan Wadia (co-driver Kunal Kashyap, Himachal) while the Bengaluru tandem of Pragathi Gowda and co-driver Trisha Alonkar, in a 4-wheel Drive Subaru Impreza were placed third.
The South India Rally concludes on Sunday when five more Stages will be run.
Winning four of the day’s six Stages, Thakur piloted his Chettinad Sporting-prepared Volkswagen Polo with aplomb to take a handy 9.2 seconds lead over overnight leader Dean Mascarenhas (co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah) who had to deal with a misfiring engine through the day. Incidentally, Thakur also leads in the INRC 2 category.
Bengaluru’s Arjun Rajiv (co-driver Vinay Padmashali, Mysuru) of Chettinad Sporting consolidated his overnight lead in the INRC and Junior INRC categories, as did Dehradun’s Anushriya Gulati (co-driver Karan Aukta) of Arka Motorsports in the Women INRC class.
“I had issues with the launch control and was losing precious seconds at the start itself. Not much we can do about it right now since it is an electrical issue. I guess, I have to push really hard tomorrow to make up for the time lost at the start,” said Aroor.
A beaming Thakur said: “After winning the National title in 2022, I had a very bad 2023 season when I was struggling to even finish a Rally. But I put in lot of hard work during the pre-season to get to where I am today. I think, the tyre choice really helped me today, opting for the correct compound. The MRF tyres worked really well and overall, I barely made a mistake today.” said Thakur.
For Karna Kadur (Arka Motorsports) who was among the title favourites, it was yet another disappointing run leading to retirement due to gearbox issues. A puncture in the day’s second Stage, besides gear stuck in fourth, cost him more time. “I am not sure if I can rejoin the Rally tomorrow since it depends on whether we will be able to fix the issue tonight,” said Kadur.
Pragathi Gowda, sponsored by SIDVIN and MRF Tyres, survived a close call on the day’s last Stage when she ignored a call by her co-driver Trisha Alonkar just after the start and slammed into a gate. “I made a mistake in not listening to Trisha’s call. I reversed and continued, but it cost me time. But otherwise, I am getting comfortable with the Subaru and improving my pace with each outing. Yes, I made 28 seconds on my own time during the second run of the AAVISA Stage. My learning continues.”
Partial unaudited classification (after Leg-1) End of Day 2:
FIA APRC-Asia Rally Cup: 1. Aroor Arjun Rao (Mangaluru) / Satish Rajagopal (Bengaluru) (Mandovi Racing) (01hr, 09mins, 39.8secs); 2. Harkrishan Wadia (Delhi) / Kunal Kashyap (Himachal) (Arka Motorsports) (01:09:53.5); 3. Pragathi Gowda / Trisha Alonkar (both Bengaluru) (Pvt.) (01:10:01.2).
Blueband Fmsci Indian National Rally Championship:
Overall: 1. Aditya Thakur / Virender Kashyap (both Himachal) (Chettinad Sporting) (01:08:46.0); 2. Dean Mascarenhas (Mangaluru) / Gagan Karumbaiah (Kodagu) (DB Motorsports) (01:09:24.5); 3. Aroor Arjun Rao / Satish Rajagopal (01:09:39.8).
INRC 2: 1. Aditya Thakur / Virender Kashyap (01:08:46.0); 2. Philippos Matthai (Delhi) / PV Srinivasa Murthy (Bengaluru) (Arka Motorsports) (01:09:49.0); 3. Aroor Vikram Rao (Mangaluru)/ AG Somayya (Kodagu) (Pvt.) (01:09:52.8).
INRC 3: 1. Arjun Rajiv (Bengaluru) / Vinay Padmashali (Mysuru) (Chettinad Sporting) (01:10:41.2); 2. Vishak Balachandran (Thiruvananthapuram) /Anil Abbas (Ernakulam) (Chettinad Sporting) (01:11:36.8); 3. Arnav Pratap Singh (Delhi) / Rohit N (Bengaluru) (SNAP Racing) (01:12:03.5).
Junior INRC: 1. Arjun Rajiv (Bengaluru) / Vinay Padmashali (Mysuru) (Chettinad Sporting) (01:10:41.2); 2. Arnav Pratap Singh (Delhi) / Rohit N (Bengaluru) (SNAP Racing) (01:12:03.5); 3. Ajay Shankar (Kollam) / S Nitharshan (Kallakurichi) (Mandovi Racing) (01:13:45.9).
Women INRC: 1. Anushriya Gulati (Dehradun) / Karan Aukta (Himachal) (Arka Motorsports) (01:02:36.1); 2. Phoebe Nongrum (Shillong) / Ross Nash (Hyderabad) (SNAP Racing) (01:07:42.7).
Fmsci Gypsy Challenge: 1. Sanjay Agarwal / Dheeraj Manae (both Bengaluru) (Pvt.) (01:05:44.5); 2. Baljinder Singh Dhillon / Goutham CP (Pvt.) (01:06:10.4); 3. Jayanth Somanathan / R Rajashekar (both Bengaluru) (Pvt.) (01:06:49.8).
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Dean Mascarenhas hogs limelight finishing fastest in Super Special Stage: INRC Ro1
Chennai, 15 March 2024: Mangaluru’s Dean Mascarenhas and co-driver Konganda Gagan Karumbaiah from Ammati, Kodagu, came up with a stunning drive to top the time sheets in the MMSC 47th South India Rally, the first round of the Blueband Sports fmsci Indian National Rally Championship 2024 (INRC), which saw the 51 competitors doing two loops of the 1.55-km Super Special Stage (SSS) at the Madras International Circuit near here on Friday.
While 30-year-old Mascarenhas (DB Motorsports) did the star turn in his Volkswagen Polo to emerge provisional leader, Bengaluru’s Karna Kadur combining with veteran co-driver Musa Sherif (Kasargod) for the first time, led the field in the AVT Gold Cup FIA APRC Asia Cup, but was only sixth fastest in the combined standings.
Further down the grid, Delhi’s Maninder Singh Prince (co-driver Arjun Dheerendra, Bengaluru) of SNAP Racing, topped in the INRC 2 class while Bengaluru’s Arjun Rajiv (co-driver Vinay Padmashali, Mysuru) took a slender leader in INRC 3 and Junior INRC, and Anushriya Gulati raced to a comfortable lead in the Women INRC categories.
Meanwhile, the Bengaluru pair of Pragathi Gowda and co-driver Trisha Alonkar, sponsored by SIDVIN and MRF Tyres, in an All-Wheel Drive Subaru Impreza for the first time, struggled a bit and was placed third in the Asia Cup, behind Kadur and Wadia.
Mascarenhas said: “I am driving the same car as last season which was a bit of up-and-down for me. But today, the car was great and we had no issues with it. Happy to finish the day as the Overall leader, though I am aware it’s still early days and plenty more Stages to negotiate over the next two days.”
The early leaders after Friday’s shootout when two cars raced on parallel tracks, face acid test over the next two days when the competitors head out to Special Stages in AAVISA and Kelam besides the Track.
Mangaluru’s Dean Mascarenhas (left) and co-driver Konganda Karumbaiah from Ammati, Kodagu, who clocked the fastest time in the Triple-S on Friday. Photo By Anand Philar Provisional (Unaudited) classification after Day 1 (Section 1, Leg 1):
FIA APRC-Asia Cup: 1. Karna Kadur (Bengaluru) / Musa Sherif (Kasargod) (Arka Motorsports) (02mins, 56.8secs); 2. Harkrishan Wadia (Delhi) / Kunal Kashyap (Himachal) (Arka Motorsports) (02:57.7); 3. Pragathi Gowda / Trisha Alonkar (Both Bengaluru) (Pvt.) (02:58.7).
Blueband Fmsci Indian National Rally Championship:
Overall: Dean Mascarenhas (Mangaluru) / Gagan Karumbaiah (Kodagu) (DB Motorsports) (02:53.8); Maninder Singh Prince (Delhi) / Arjun Dheerendra (Bengaluru) (SNAP Racing) (02:55.3); Younus Ilyas (Kollam) / Chandramouli M (Bengaluru) (SNAP Racing) (02:55.7).
INRC 2: Maninder Singh Prince / Arjun Dheerendra (02:55.3); Philippos Matthai (Delhi) / PV Srinivasa Murthy (Bengaluru) (Arka Motorsports) (02:55.7); 3. Aditya Thakur / Virender Kashyap (both Himachal) (Chettinad Sporting) (02:56.5).
INRC 3: Arjun Rajiv (Bengaluru) / Vinay Padmashali (Mysuru) (Chettinad Sporting) (02:58.6); 2. Sheshank Jamwal (Himachal) / Aseem Sharma (Chandigarh) (Arka Motorsports) (02:58.8); 2. Vishak Balachandran (Thiruvananthapuram) / Anil Abbas (Ernakulam) (Chettinad Sporting) (02:59.3).
Junior INRC: 1. Arjun Rajiv (Bengaluru) / Vinay Padmashali (Mysuru) (02:58.6); 2. Arnav Pratap Singh (Delhi) / Rohit N (Bengaluru) (SNAP Racing) (02:59.8); 3. Nikhil J (Bengaluru) / Raghuram Saminathan (Coimbatore) (Pvt.) (03:04.3);
Women INRC: 1. Anushriya Gulati (Dehradun) / Karan Aukta (Arka Motorsports) (03:06.0); 2. Tarushi Vikram / Sheraz Ahmed (both Chikkamagaluru) (Pvt.) (03:21.9); 3. Harshita Raj Gowda (Bengaluru) / Vignesh Mahalingam (Coimbatore) (Pvt.) (03:27.1);
Fmsci Challenge – Gypsy: 1. Dr Akarsh Sundar (Chikkamagaluru) / Ravikumar Reddy (Bengaluru) (Pvt.) (03:15.4); 2. Sanjay Agarwal / Dheeraj Manae (both Bengaluru) (Pvt.) (03:16.9); 3. Jayanth Somanathan / R Rajashekar (Pvt.) (03:18.8);
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47th edition of the famed South India Rally begins on Friday: INRC Round 1
Chennai, 13 March 2024: There is heightened expectations and excitement ahead of the 47th MMSC South India Rally to be run here from March 15 to 17 and which has attracted 52 entries.
The three-day event, organized by the Madras Motor Sports Club, and promoted by Blueband Sports, doubles up as the first round of AVT Gold Cup FIA APRC South India Rally – Asia Cup which has received 10 entries, all from India, and the Blueband fmsci Indian National Rally Championship (52 entries, including the 10 APRC contenders) to be contested over 137 Kms of 13 Special Stages and covering an overall distance of about 446 Kms.
The Madras International Circuit is the hub of most activity, including the Super Special and Track Stages. It will also house the Service Park, the Rally Headquarters and Media Centre.
The Asia Cup entry list is headlined by Mangalorean Aroor Arjun Rao (co-driver Satish Rajagopal), the 2023 Overall National champion, driving a Maruti Suzuki Baleno and representing Mandovi Racing. Rao also heads the INRC field which includes Delhi’s Harkrishan Wadia (co-driver Kunal Kashyap), the 2023 INRC 2 champion, and Chandigarh-based Jahaan Singh Gill (Suraj Keshav Prasad) of SNAP Racing who has moved up to INRC 2 after capturing the INRC 3 and JINRC titles last season.
A notable absentee is multiple APRC and INRC champion Gaurav Gill who had originally entered, but withdrew at the last minute due to delay in getting his Ford Fiesta shipped from Dubai in time for this weekend’s event.
The seven-round INRC comprises various classes that include Overall (INRC), INRC 2, INRC 3, Junior INRC (below 26 years of age) and Women, besides the FMSCI Challenge Cup, a non-championship category for Maruti Gypsy vehicles.
The weekend action will witness seven female competitors, including five drivers – Pragathi Gowda (Bengaluru), Harshitha Gowda (Bengaluru), Phoebe Nongrum (Arunachal Pradesh), Anushriya Gulati (Pune, 2023 women’s champion) and Tarushi Vikram (Chikkamagaluru), besides two co-drivers Trisha Alonkar (Bengaluru, 2023 National co-driver champion) and Shivani Parmar (Mumbai).
Pragathi, sponsored by SIDVIN, will be setting a milestone in Indian motorsport. She is poised to become the first female from India to pilot a four-wheel drive car, the 300bhp Subaru Impreza shod with MRF Tyres, with Malaysian Karamjit Singh, the former World Rally champion (Production Cars), tutoring her.
“I am very excited and looking forward to the South India Rally. I am even more grateful that a legend like Karamjit Singh has taken time out to train me to drive this powerful car and SIDVIN for supporting me. I haven’t had any seat time in this car, and it will be a learning curve for me,” said Pragathi who will be partnered by co-driver Trisha Alonkar.
FIA Observer, Dale Moscatt from Australia, was all praise for the organisers and the Special Stages. “I did a recce of the Kelam Stage yesterday. The organisers have done a great job in putting together so many kilometres into such a small place. It is fully fenced off area and so security and everything is fantastic in the Stage. It will be challenging to all competitors. Today, we went to the other Stages (Aavisa and Track) which are the same as last year. Lots of turns and bumps, and so, very challenging. The facility here at the race track (Madras International Circuit) is great.”
Taking an overview of the event, Clerk-of-the-Course (CoC) Manoj Dalal, who is also the secretary of MMSC, said: “You can expect an action-packed weekend as the field, rich in youth and experience, is extremely competitive. There are many familiar faces and a few relatively new entrants. As organisers, MMSC has taken every precaution and all permissions to ensure a safe and successful event which is a showpiece in the INRC calendar. We extend our thanks to all the sponsors, the promoters, the Media and, of course, the competitors, for their whole-hearted support and involvement.”
The competitors are scheduled to do a reconnaissance of all the Special Stages on Thursday and Friday morning. The competition will commence on Friday afternoon with the Spectator Special Stage at the Madras International Circuit. The following two days will witness the competitors negotiating the other Special Stages (Track, AAVISA and Kelam). The Rally will conclude on Sunday afternoon with prize-distribution ceremony at the MIC.
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Kush Maini posts a creditable P2 to score 20 points: F2 Feature race
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), 9 March 2024: Kush Maini bounced back from his Sakhir disappointment with a creditable P2 for Invicta Racing, while Dennis Hauger rounded out the podium by less than a tenth of a second for MP Motorsport after Enzo Fittipaldi took his first Feature Race victory for Van Amersfoort Racing in a thrilling Jeddah spectacle in the FIA Formula 2 World Championship here on Saturday.
With the 20 points earned in the Feature race, Maini is now in fifth place with 27 points in the rankings.
The Brazilian pulled off an audacious three-wide pass for the win, while the fight for the final podium places ended in a drag race across the line.
AS IT HAPPENED
Maini got the perfect launch to keep the lead into Turn 1 while Andrea Kimi Antonelli was up to fourth for PREMA Racing. Out of the opening chicane, Josep María Martí was a first-lap retirement after a spin left the Spaniard with damage while Trident’s Roman Stanek couldn’t avoid the Campos Racing car.
The stranded cars required a Safety Car before the drivers made it round for Lap 2.
Back to green flag conditions, Maini retained the lead comfortably as he opened up the gap on his supersofts to Jak Crawford behind.
Entering Lap 6, Hauger moved clear of Victor Martins for fifth but lost out to both the ART Grand Prix driver and Campos’ Isack Hadjar on the main straight without a tow.
Having fallen out of DRS, Crawford became the first to pit for mediums at the end of the lap and he was followed in by Hauger, Richard Verschoor and Paul Aron.
Hadjar was on the move again, getting the better of his compatriot Martins into Turn 1 to take fourth on the road.
A fast-starting Juan Manuel Correa moved himself up to fifth with an ambitious dive on Martins at Turn 27 to round out a torrid lap for the Alpine Academy driver. He pitted on Lap 8, following Maini, Fittipaldi, Antonelli and Hadjar in for their mandatory stops.
Crawford lost out with his earlier stop as the DAMS Lucas Oil driver fell behind Antonelli. The American battled through with his tyres up to temperature though, clearing the Italian as they approached Turn 22 on the PREMA driver’s outlap.
A snap out of the final corner though re-opened the door for the Mercedes Junior Team member, and he reclaimed sixth into Turn 1. However, he ran deep under braking and Crawford took the place back, while Fittipaldi ahead had escaped DRS range.
Lap 10 and Hadjar dived down the inside at Turn 27 again to demote Antonelli, but a nice switchback for the PREMA driver allowed him to retake the place into Turn 1.
One lap on and the Campos returned the favour, using DRS to pass Antonelli again, taking seventh on the road at the first corner. Just behind them, Zane Maloney moved himself into the points with a straightforward pass on Martins under braking.
While Maini had retained the net race lead, Fittipaldi had tracked the Invicta driver down and on Lap 13, dived to the inside of the Indian driver to take fourth position.
Martins’ struggles continued as Franco Colapinto demoted the Frenchman to 12th on Lap 14, using DRS into the first corner. The MP Motorsport driver’s joy was short-lived though as on the following tour, he spun into retirement at Turn 1 after tagging the barriers out of Turn 27 the previous lap. His spin brought out the Safety Car once again.
Correa, Amaury Cordeel and Taylor Barnard had yet to pit on the mediums, but only the latter two used the chance to pit for supersofts.
The Safety Car was withdrawn entering Lap 19, and Fittipaldi was on the attack immediately. He passed Barnard to take third position while Maini made a move on Crawford to take fifth position out of Turn 2. An issue for Hadjar dropped him out of the points and later forced the Frenchman to retire.
Cordeel got himself to within DRS range of Correa entering Lap 21 and the Hitech Pulse-Eight driver took the lead of the race into Turn 1. Maini was again down the inside of a rival at the first corner, this time taking fourth from Barnard.
Correa stuck with the new leader though, as Fittipaldi homed in on the pair of them. He swept around the outside of them both to take the lead at Turn 1 going three-wide in the process in a daring pass.
Cordeel was on the defensive with Correa passing him into the first corner but as the pair squabbled on corner exit, Maini was able to clear the Belgian to improve to third on the road.
A Virtual Safety Car was deployed after a spin for Zak O’Sullivan at Turn 2. His ART car was cleared, and racing got back underway again as the leader started Lap 25.
Correa finally made his stop on Lap 26 to leave Maini, Cordeel, Crawford, Antonelli and Hauger to scrap for the podium places.
The MP driver forced Antonelli to defend at the last corner and going into Lap 27, the Norwegian claimed P5 with DRS into Turn 1.
Onto the final lap and Maini led a DRS train down to fifth but up front, Fittipaldi went untroubled after his incredible move to take his first F2 Feature Race win and second in the Championship.
Maini kept P2 for Invicta but a three-wide drag race for the final podium position went the way of Hauger, who finished just 0.031s ahead of Crawford in fourth and Cordeel, who dropped to fifth by 0.127s.
Antonelli came across the line in sixth ahead of Maloney in P7, Verschoor in P8. Rafael Villagómez capped off a great day for Van Amersfoort in ninth and Martins took his first point of the year with P10 in the end.
KEY QUOTE – Enzo Fittipaldi, Van Amersfoort Racing
“It was a really good race. Everyone from Van Amersfoort gave me an amazing car. We were absolutely flying out there. Even after the Virtual and normal Safety Car, we still won by almost eight seconds, so we were flying. I’m just so happy to get the win in just the second round and to be in the fight for the Championship.”
THE CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Maloney leads the way in the Drivers’ Championship, moving onto 47 points at the top. Fittipaldi’s Feature Race win and fastest lap moves him up to second on 32 points, with Hauger third one point further back. Aron is fourth on 28 points with Maini rounding out the top five just behind him on 27.
In the Teams’ Standings, Rodin Motorsport remain in front on 49, seven points clear of Invicta Racing in P2. MP Motorsport move onto 39 points in third, one point ahead of Hitech Pulse- Eight. Van Amersfoort Racing lift themselves up to P5 on 34 after their double score on Saturday.
UP NEXT – MELBOURNE
Formula 2 heads down under for Round 3 and a visit to Melbourne for the second time in the Championship’s history. Who will become the next winner in a thrilling 2024 season? Tune in from 22-24 March.
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Martin snatches lap record pole from Espargaro and Bastianini
A front row split by 0.086, four factories within 0.124… qualifying sets the scene for a stunning season opener
Lusail: Saturday, 9 March 2024: Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Ducati) will head the first grids of the year after! The 2023 runner up set a magical 1:50.789 in qualifying for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar to take pole, becoming the fastest rider ever to lap Lusail International Circuit. That said, it’s close at the top. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was just 0.083 behind, with Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) rounding out the front row only another 0.003 back.
After a Practice session that left Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) just outside the cut, the Spaniard was taking aim at the top in Q1. He got it too, moving through just ahead of Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as the two left Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) missing out on a place by just 0.010. Nevertheless, the Frenchman continues to impress on his switch to Honda.
Q2 DELIVERS A TANTALISING GRID
There was a lot to learn in the very first Q2 of the year. Everyone fully unleashed, full throttle, and not a single sandbag worth holding on to. After the first runs, a familiar name had taken hold though: Martin. That stunning 1:50.789 came in on his second lap as Ducatis locked out the top five positions early on, and no one would prove able to topple it.
Once the second runs began, Miller and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) were especially hoping to find some time, but then it was all eyes on Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as the eight-time World Champion came up with red sectors – but it wasn’t quite enough in the last part of the lap.
Espargaro was another who looked to be challenging Martin’s dominion at the top but he ultimately jumped into second, losing out by less than a tenth, as Bastianini held onto a first front row of the year in third, and at a venue he’s reigned before.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) heads the second row, just 0.124 off the top, and lost the chance to make a final improvement as he slid off on his last attempt. Alongside Binder will be reigning World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who starts from fifth. And then it’s Marc Marquez rounding out the second row, making it 12 World Championships lining up on Row 2.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) will head the third row in P7, with teammate Marco Bezzecchi having a tougher weekend of it and left down in Q1. Acosta will start eighth for his first Tissot Sprint and premier class Grand Prix race, having been P3 on Friday and gone straight through to Q2 to boot.
Alex Marquez rounds out Row 3 after he couldn’t replicate his time from Practice that saw him top that session, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), Miller and Raul Fernandez, who crashed in Q2, rider ok, locking out the positions down to P12. Then it’s Zarco and that very solid debut with Honda, the first of those who didn’t make it through to Q2.
The grids are set, the stage is set, and soon the sun will set. Come back for more MotoGP™ at 19:00 local time (UTC +3) for the first Tissot Sprint of what promises to be a stunning 2024! -
TVS Asia one-make event going strong for third year: ARRC
Bengaluru, 9 March 2024: TVS Asia One Make Championship (OMC) under TVS Racing will mark its presence for the third consecutive year at the upcoming Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). Once again, the one-make series will see the inclusion of a multi-region rider participation in its bid to showcase excellence within the motorsports industry, a release received here said today.
Replicating its domestic record, and continuing its international success after the first-ever TVS Asia One Make Championship (OMC) in 2022, TVS Racing is back with the third edition of the championship with more vigour and determination to create new records. Following its sheer dominance in domestic two-wheeler racing, TVS Racing is now geared up to host this flagship racing event this year alongside the FIM Asia (ARRC). Backed by four decades of racing pedigree, previous year’s championship demonstrated the product prowess of TVS Motor’s flagship motorcycle – TVS Apache RR 310 as it created a milestone for TVS Racing, setting a new top speed record of 215.9 kmph in its class at Chang International Circuit, Thailand. With a rich history and undisputed leadership in two-wheeler motorsports, TVS Racing has been instrumental in flourishing the racing performance culture and engineering the TVS Apache series through the company’s “Track to Road” philosophy.
The season opener of the racing series scheduled to be held at Chang International Circuit, will be entertained by representatives from nine countries including new entries from Germany and Korea. Top three achievers, Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia, Hiroki Ono of Japan and Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand will be back once again for a full-season alongside selected riders from India and Indonesia as well as six newcomers for the season in the race category. The rider line-up will consist of fifteen riders in total.
Commenting on the championship, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium at TVS Motor Company said, “Celebrating our third year at the Idemitsu FIM ARRC alongside TVS Asia OMC marks a significant milestone for TVS Racing. It’s a testament to our enduring dedication to motorsport, excellence and innovation. Our continued participation underscores our commitment to pushing the limits of engineering and performance, while also providing an exciting platform for our riders to showcase their skills on the international stage. The data obtained during the races are pertinent in gauging the impact of our product modification and showcasing our strengths and transformations. As we embark on another thrilling season, we are eagerly excited by the opportunity to continue our legacy of success and to bring the thrill of racing to fans around the world. We look forward to another exciting year of competition, camaraderie, and, most importantly, the relentless pursuit of victory, and wish our racers luck for this season.”
Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing said, “TVS Asia OMC has been instrumental in the expansion of ARRC and since their debut in 2022, we have garnered vast support and recognition from our fanbase and motorsports community which has impacted the championship positively. This year, we are proud to mark the entries of two additional countries in the one-make series which I believe would also serve to broaden our brand proposition and incite new interests in the future. As we move forward, our goal remains the same which is to ensure our reach to a wider demography while alleviating the standards of Asian motorsports.”
The riders of TVS Asia would also experience a new safety feature this season – the Alpinestars air-bag system, equipped in their racing suit this year. The air-bag is expected to further accentuate the safety functions while enhancing confidence among its riders for better performance. The Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will commence with Round 1 on 15th March 2024 with no changes to its racing format. The season will move forward with six rounds for year 2024.
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Second pole for Verstappen at Saudi Arabian GP: F1
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) 8 March 2024: Max Verstappen took pole for the 2024 FIA Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the second of the 24 races, in the FIA F1 World Championship, three tenths of a second ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with Sergio Pérez third in the other Red Bull.
Verstappen claimed provisional pole with this first of Q3, setting a time of 1:27.472 to sit ahead of Pérez. However, while neither Red Bull improved on their final runs, Leclerc made good time on his final run to beat Pérez by 0.016s and steal a front row spot from the Mexican.
Red Bull were to the fore from the start of the session. Pérez jumped to P1 with his flying lap of 1:28.761 but Verstappen edged ahead when he stopped the clock at 1:28.491. There were improvements elsewhere though and when Leclerc slotted into P2 ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Pérez dropped to sixth place.
Leclerc took P1 in the closing stages with a lap of 1:38.318, 0.173 ahead of Verstappen, but with his final run in Verstappen reclaimed top spot putting in a lap of 1:28.171. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll put in a strong final flyer to take P2 just eight hundredths of a second behind the Dutchman, while Leclerc took third. Pérez also found time on his final flyer and he climbed to fourth place at the flag, ahead of Alonso.
However, there was no place in Q2 for Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas who was ruled out in P16 ahead of the Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly and the Williams of Logan Sargeant. Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu made it out on track right at the end of the session following repairs to his car after his FP3 crash, but he failed to set a time and was eliminated in P20.
At the start of Q2, Russell was the first to lay down a marker with a lap of 1:28.608, ahead of Norris and Hamilton, but soon after the red flags came out. Haas’ Nico Hülkenberg crossed the line to start a lap but almost immediately he began to lose power and the German was eventually forced to pull over in a run-off area and the session was stopped.
After a five-minute delay, running resumed and Pérez, on used tyres, posted a lap of 1:28.539. That was beaten by Verstappen who took P1 with a lap of 1:28.078 on fresh Soft rubber. Alonso, also on fresh tyres, then stole P2, just 0.044s behind Verstappen, while Leclerc took fourth on used tyres.
In the final runs Verstappen found a slim improvement of 0.045s to take top spot, just eight hundredths of a second ahead of Leclerc, with Alonso a further one hundredth of a second back in third. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was fourth ahead of Russell and although Pérez improved to 1:28.467 it was only good enough for P6 ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris, RB’s Yuki Tsunoda, the second Aston of Stroll and Hamilton, who claimed the last Q3 spot ahead of Ferrari new boy Oliver Bearman, by the tiny margin of 0.036s. Eliminated along with the Ferrari driver were Williams’ Alex Albon in P12 ahead of Haas’ Kevin Magnussen, the second RB of Daniel Ricciardo and the unfortunate Hülkenberg.
In the opening runs of Q3 Verstappen laid down a strong marker, with the Dutchman posting a lap of 1:27.472 to take provisional pole, an impressive 0.335s ahead of Pérez who took P2 0.181s clear of Alonso, with Leclerc, who complained that his car felt “really weird” on new Soft tyres, in P4.
Neither of the Red Bull drivers could improve on the first run, however. Verstappen crossed the line just under two tenths off his opening time and behind him Pérez also had to settle for his first lap time. That left both vulnerable and Leclerc tried to find a way through. The Ferrari driver couldn’t match Verstappen, however, and his 1:27.791 left him 0.319 behind the champion. It was, however, good enough to deny Red Bull a front-row lockout, with Pérez being pushed out to P3 by 0.016s. Behind Pérez, Alonso took fourth, with Piastri in fifth place ahead of Russell and Hamilton. Tsunoda will start in P9 for RB ahead of Hamilton.
2024 FIA Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Qualifying
1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 1:27.472
2 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:27.791 0.319
3 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing 1:27.807 0.335
4 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:27.846 0.374
5 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:28.089 0.617
6 Lando Norris McLaren 1:28.132 0.660
7 George Russell Mercedes 1:28.316 0.844
8 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:28.460 0.988
9 Yuki Tsunoda RB 1:28.547 1.075
10 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 1:28.572 1.100
11 Ollie Bearman Ferrari 1:28.642 1.170
12 Alexander Albon Williams 1:28.980 1.508
13 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1:29.020 1.548
14 Daniel Ricciardo RB 1:29.025 1.553
15 Nico Hulkenberg Haas – –
16 Valtteri Bottas Sauber 1:29.179 1.707
17 Esteban Ocon Alpine 1:29.475 2.003
18 Pierre Gasly Alpine 1:29.479 2.007
19 Logan Sargeant Williams 1:29.526 2.054
20 Zhou Guanyu Sauber No Time -
Vamcy Merla is now the Promoter of Otago Rally APRC 2024
Otago (New Zealand) 4 March 2024: Prominent Indian businessman, Vamcy Merla, is now the promoter of the Otago Rally’s Asia-Pacific Rally Championship Pacific Cup. He will provide significant support, including through his business Maitri Estates.
His support of the rally will be a huge boom for competitors in the APRC component of the event, with prizemoney of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 for the first three placegetters.
Merla and his business, Maitri Estates, is a long time supporter of Indian motorsport in many forms, and 2024 will be his second year involved with the APRC.
Vamsi Merla, the APRC Otago Rally Promoter “I have always been passionate about promoting rallying in India and in the Asia-Pacific region,” Merla said.
“I am delighted to be the promoter of the Otago Rally APRC Pacific Cup, and supporting both the competitors and organisers makes the sport stronger. The Otago Rally has a big reputation for providing an outstanding event.”
Rally promotions manager, Roger Oakley, added:
“Vamcy Merla’s support is hugely appreciated. The prizemoney is a significant incentive for competitors and we encourage all those who are eligible to register for the Asia-Pacific Championship component of the event.”
The Central Machine Hire Otago Rally is the first round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship and also includes the famed Otago International Classic Rally.
The rally is the second of six rounds of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, with the series ‘grand finale’ to be held at the Rally of Whangarei in the North Island in early November.
The Otago Rally gratefully acknowledges the Premier Event grant support of the Dunedin City Council.
